Escambia Bay Bridge, Interstate bridge across Escambia Bay, Florida, US

The Escambia Bay Bridge carries Interstate 10 across Escambia Bay near Pensacola, Florida, on six lanes with shoulders, modern barrier walls and lighting. The 2006 replacement was routed south of the original 1968 structure, giving each approach a curved alignment. In the photograph, a finished roadway runs beside an unfinished pale gray deck, where concrete columns and wooden pilings rise from the water and red cranes stand on barges.

The original bridge was built in 1968 with four lanes before Hurricane Ivan caused major damage to the structure in 2004. This led to a complete reconstruction of the entire crossing.

The bridge's name comes from Escambia Bay, which it crosses between Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on I-10. Drivers pass the 2015 replacement Scenic Highway overpass, built with new acceleration and deceleration lanes after a third lane was added each way west of the interchange.

The bridge carries substantial daily traffic with emergency lanes and modern safety barriers in place. Travelers should expect regular traffic flow and stay aware of lane markings, particularly during peak hours.

The original 1968 bridge was left standing beside the new alignment during construction, which is why the replacement curves near the start and end of each approach. The westbound half opened on December 12, 2007, and the crossing was estimated at 50,000 vehicles a day in 2011.